Jammu, August 13: The Jammu and Kashmir Power Employees and Engineers Coordination Committee (JKPEECC) on Thursday launched an indefinite strike over the suspension of several employees and engineers, following unsuccessful talks with the management of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL).

The committee had announced the strike from August 13 after discussions with the management failed to resolve its demands, including withdrawal of the suspension orders and the decision to withhold salaries in connection with Surya Ghar performance.

According to the employees’ body, several officers and officials were placed under suspension despite records that, in its assessment, indicated that action had already been taken against those responsible for the alleged lapses.

The committee has questioned the grounds for the suspensions and argued that employees and engineers should not be held accountable without a detailed examination of the relevant records and circumstances.

The indefinite protest follows multiple rounds of discussions between representatives of the employees and JPDCL management, which failed to produce an agreement.

The JKPEECC has demanded the reinstatement of the suspended employees and withdrawal of the decision to withhold their salaries.